what's inside: computer hardware

From USB connectors to motherboards, the HowStuffWorks Computer Hardware Channel will help you find explanations, reviews, videos and prices for the parts you need.

Buses

Buses

A bus, or computer universal switch, is essential for data transfer within a computer or between more than one. We'll take a look at topics like PCI, SCSI, USB Ports and serial ports. See more »

CPU

CPU

CPU is a well-known acronym in the computing world, but what is in them? Learn more about CPUs, including the differences between Pentium and Celeron processors, or how graphics cards work. See more »

Hard Drives & Disks

Hard Drives & Disks

In the Hard Drives & Disks section, we explore how they work, what it means when your hard drive crashes and how to add a hard drive to your computer. See more »

Hardware Basics

Hardware Basics

Hardware Basics offers tips and tricks for good computer upkeep and explains things like "What does Alt+F do?" or "What are the different kinds of computers?" See more »

Explore These Topics:

Networking

Networking

Computer networking is the engineering that creates communication between computers and other devices. Learn about ethernet, LAN, routers, modems and home networking. See more »

Memory

Memory

Memory refers to the amount of storage you have in your computer. We'll explore topics like RAM, caching and virtual memory. See more »

Other Hardware

Other Hardware

How do OLEDs work? Will the $100 laptop save the developing world? Get answers to these and other questions in this section. See more »

Power Supplies

Power Supplies

The performance of your computer relates to its supply of power. Learn how PC power supplies, computer batteries and surge protectors also play an important role in computer upkeep. See more »

featured articles

FPO

What's the worlds fastest supercomputer used for?

MDGrape-3 is the first computer to break the petaflop barrier -- that's 1 quadrillion calculations per second, making it the world's fastest computer. But you’ll be surprised by what it’s used for -- learn what MDGrape-3 can do with a petaflop.

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FPO

How Computer Memory Works

Like our brains, computers use both short-term and long-term memory to store data. But the similarities end there. There are several types of computer memory that are arranged based on both technical and financial concerns.

FPO

How PCs Work

We've all used one, and most of us are sitting in front of one right now. Curious to know what's going on inside that ever-present PC? Here's your chance to find out -- without prying open your own. Examine a personal computer from boot-up to shut-down.